The Nuance of Cranberry Sauce

Not all the authors of Untethered Realms are American, but we decided to do the collective, almost obligatory, sappy "I'm thankful for" Thanksgiving post anyway.

What are you thankful for?

M. Pax - Food on the table, heat, electricity, a roof, my family, being together. I'm extremely thankful for my readers and fans. Thank you, thank you, thank you! My favorite Thanksgiving treat is stuffing. Thank you aliens! [Any South Park fans?]

Cherie Reich - My furbabies, my family, and my friends from all over the world. I'm thankful for having the necessities of life plus some. My favorite Thanksgiving food is pumpkin pie. As I told my mom, it's not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie! *grins*

River Fairchild - I suspect most of us have had challenges this year, whether it's life's bumps in the road or a major event over which we have no control, but Thanksgiving teaches us to stop and take a good look at what we do have.

As for my favorite foods at Thanksgiving:

• Tons of cranberry sauce and stuffing
• Mashed potatoes
• Biscuits and butter…and honey
• Can you see where this is going? Just bring me all the fattening foods and I'll be happy. You can keep the meat.

Graeme Ing - I am thankful for everything, even the bad and sorry things. I am thankful that life is a rich tapestry of highs and lows and that we are alive enough to exhibit a huge range of thoughts and emotions. Life is never boring and that is a wonder. Favourite TG food is turkey, cranberry sauce and stuffing with roasted potatoes and parsnips, UK style. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

 Christine Rains - I'm thankful for my wonderful son and ever patient husband. I'm happy that I'm able to stay at home in these first years of my son's life and follow my dream of being a writer. The food I remember most from Thanksgivings with my family growing up is the dinner rolls. Sounds a bit silly, but my Nana smothered them with butter and I've never tasted anything like them since.

Angela Brown - I'm thankful for my daughter, my writing, my readers - current and soon-to-discover-me, and for the breath of each day to try something new, be something helpful to someone and for love. As for food, I tend to get so excited about sweet potato pie. Just love that delicious treat :-)

Gwen Gardner - I'm thankful for meeting all the challenges I faced this year and seeing light at the end of the tunnel. I'm thankful for family and friends, my health, the discovery (after so many years) of my love of writing, my writing buddies, my health, my loving husband, supportive daughter and son-in-law, my job, my puppies, chocolate, Jameson and my ever evolving exciting life! My favorite Thanksgiving food is turkey leg, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and sweet potato pie! I could go on, because I just love Thanksgiving food. When we were little, my sister and I used to put olives on all our fingers and then eat them.

 Catherine Stine - I'm thankful for my two amazing sons, and my longtime hubby, who is always eager to discuss the writing life with me. I love all of my writing students, my writing group ladies, who have savvy advice. And I love my readers, old and new. It's also great to be a part of Untethered Realms, having fun getting to know all of you! 

There is much to be thankful for in life. All we need to do is focus and it will bloom before us. Wishing all of you a blessed day, no matter what you celebrate or who you share it with.

Now we want to know what your favorite Thanksgiving food is and what you're thankful for. Tell us!

Realms Faire Winners - Winners of Phasers and the Ultimate Grand Prizes

Phasers and Ultimate Grand Prize Winners

Monday: Jay Noel won -

• $25 Amazon Giftcard donated by Kimberly Afe 
• your choice of an ebook by M. Pax 
• an ebook copy of either Taking Time or Passing Time by Ellie Garratt 

Tuesday: Melanie Schulz won -

• Steampunk pin from M. Pax
• Czech Fairy Tales CD from Dennis Strachota
• Choice of ebook from Laura Eno

Wednesday: Tonja Drecker won -

• ebook of 13th Floor Complete Collection by Christine Rains
• ebook of NeverLove or They All Fall Down by Angela Brown
• Steampunk necklace from M. Pax

Thursday: Heather M. Gardner won -

• Choice of signed paperbacks from M. Pax plus steampunk pin
• ebook copy of Polar Night from Julie Flanders

Friday: Elephant's Child won -

• $25 Giftcard to either Amazon or B&N from M. Pax
• Ebook of choice from M. Pax 

Winner of the Kindle:  Melanie S.

Winner of the mega bundle of ebooks:  Manda O.

The book bundle includes ebooks from authors: Catherine Stine, M. Gerrick, Cherie Reich, Graeme Ing, Christine Rains, Laura Eno, Ellie Garratt, M. Pax, Angela Brown, Gwen Gardner, Nicki Elson, Melanie Schulz, Julie Flanders, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan

If any of the winners haven't yet received their prizes, please contact me mpaxuathor at gmail dot com.

Congratulations winners! Thank you for participating in the 2013 Realms Faire. Mark thine calendars for 2014! Week of November 10th we'll be doing this all over again.





 

Characters And Creative Control

Writers always get questions about their characters and whether or not they’re based on a real person, someone the author knows. The answer is often that the characters are a combination of personalities of different people the author knows. It’s definitely safer not to name names, but I have a few that I want to share.

In my Indigo Eady Paranormal Mystery series, my main character, Indigo Eady, is half English, half Native American. It was no accident that she shares a last name and characteristics (black hair, blue eyes, similar ancestry) with my grandmother, Juanita Gwendolyn Eady. My grandmother was Scotch-Irish and Cherokee. Having raised my sister and me a lot of the time, she was a big influence in my life. I wanted to honor her, and that was the best way I knew how. I also have a church in Givin' Up The Ghost named after my mom, and a bartender with the name and physical attributes of my dad.

Now take my character Badger, the love interest of Indigo Eady. I knew he had to be cute, but a little scruffy. And real; kind and tough, but with a little hot-headedness in order to get by in the world. He had to be like Sam (Jared Padalecki) on Supernatural.

 

Then there’s Chance, from A Guilty Ghost Surprised. He’s a ghost dog that hangs out at a haunted mansion to protect the ghostly owner, who can't move on. The character Chance is based on my daughter’s real life dog, also named Chance. Of course I sought her permission to use Chance in the role. It might have been strange to see your dog on the cover of a book, not to mention between the pages, as a ghostie.

Luckily, I have an awesome illustrator, Corona Zschusschen, who understands my quirkiness with such things as putting my granddog on the cover of my book, and making Badger look like the hunky Sam.

 

Check out the likenesses from A Guilty Ghost Surprised on the left, compared to the photos on the right:

 

Jared Padalecki photo courtesy of Creative Commons

The illustration of Badger is uniquely him, but with the similar facial features of Jared Padalecki. Much as I'd like Jared/Sam on my cover, there could be some copyright issues if the likenesses were too similar.

 

With the illustration of Chance, I had no copyright worries. As you can see, it's completely Chance, facial features and all.

 

Creative control of this sort is the best part of being an indie author; we can put loved ones in our books and on the covers.

 

What about you?

Do you base characters on
people (or pets) you know?

Phasers Inspired by BattleStar Galactica #Giveaway #Grogz

Welcome to Phasers!

The Rules

I, the game master, will offer up a word associated with a popular science fiction show, such as phaser. The first commenter would then give a word he or she associates with phaser, such as stun. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with stun, such as shock. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with shock, such as electric. And so one...

All commenters will get put into today's drawing. An extra entry for first and last comment. This contest will remain open through noon eastern time on Saturday.

Today's Prizes

$25 Giftcard to either Amazon or B&N from M. Pax

Ebook of choice from M. Pax

Today's Game

Battlestar Galactica serves as the inspiration today. The game word is:

Frak

Enter to Win the Ultimate Grand Prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The book bundle includes ebooks from authors: Catherine Stine, M. Gerrick, Cherie Reich, Graeme Ing, Christine Rains, Laura Eno, Ellie Garratt, M. Pax, Angela Brown, Gwen Gardner, Nicki Elson, Melanie Schulz, Julie Flanders, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan

Phasers Giveaway is Closed but Rafflecopter is still OPEN!

Thanks to all who stopped in to play Phasers this week. All prizes will be announced on this site this coming Friday. Feel free to play for fun and you can still enter to win the Kindle and the mega bundle of books.

Phasers Inspired by Firefly #Giveaway #grogz

Welcome to Phasers!

The Rules

I, the game master, will offer up a word associated with a popular science fiction show, such as phaser. The first commenter would then give a word he or she associates with phaser, such as stun. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with stun, such as shock. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with shock, such as electric. And so one...

All commenters will get put into today's drawing. An extra entry for first and last comment. No comments will be counted after 8:00 p.m. eastern time US each day.

Today's Prizes

Choice of signed paperbacks from M. Pax plus steampunk pin

ebook copy of Polar Night from Julie Flanders

Today's Game

Firefly serves as the inspiration today. The game word is:

Serenity

Enter to Win the Ultimate Grand Prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The book bundle includes ebooks from authors: Catherine Stine, M. Gerrick, Cherie Reich, Graeme Ing, Christine Rains, Laura Eno, Ellie Garratt, M. Pax, Angela Brown, Gwen Gardner, Nicki Elson, Melanie Schulz, Julie Flanders, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan

Thursday's Contest is Now Closed

Entries for Thursday's prizes is now closed. You may still enter the rafflecopter to win the Kindle.

Friday's Phasers will begin at midnight eastern US time.

Phasers Inspired by Stargate #Giveaway #Grogz

Welcome to Phasers!

The Rules

I, the game master, will offer up a word associated with a popular science fiction show, such as phaser. The first commenter would then give a word he or she associates with phaser, such as stun. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with stun, such as shock. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with shock, such as electric. And so one...

All commenters will get put into today's drawing. An extra entry for first and last comment. No comments will be counted after 8:00 p.m. eastern time US each day.

Today's Prizes

ebook of 13th Floor Complete Collection by Christine Rains

ebook of NeverLove or They All Fall Down by Angela Brown

Steampunk necklace from M. Pax

Today's Game

Stargate serves as the inspiration today. The game word is:

Parasite

Enter to Win the Ultimate Grand Prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The book bundle includes ebooks from authors: Catherine Stine, M. Gerrick, Cherie Reich, Graeme Ing, Christine Rains, Laura Eno, Ellie Garratt, M. Pax, Angela Brown, Gwen Gardner, Nicki Elson, Melanie Schulz, Julie Flanders, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan

Entry for the prizes is now closed.

Thursday's game begins at midnight eastern US time.

Phasers Inspired by Babylon 5 #Giveaway #grogz

Welcome to Phasers!

The Rules

I, the game master, will offer up a word associated with a popular science fiction show, such as phaser. The first commenter would then give a word he or she associates with phaser, such as stun. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with stun, such as shock. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with shock, such as electric. And so one...

All commenters will get put into today's drawing. An extra entry for first and last comment. No comments will be counted after 8:00 p.m. eastern time US each day.

Today's Prizes

Steampunk pin from M. Pax

Czech Fairy Tales CD from Dennis Strachota

Choice of ebook from Laura Eno

Today's Game

Babylon 5 serves as the inspiration today. The game word is:

Shadow

Enter to Win the Ultimate Grand Prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The book bundle includes ebooks from authors: Catherine Stine, M. Gerrick, Cherie Reich, Graeme Ing, Christine Rains, Laura Eno, Ellie Garratt, M. Pax, Angela Brown, Gwen Gardner, Nicki Elson, Melanie Schulz, Julie Flanders, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan

Today's Phasers is now closed.

Any game play after closing will not be put in the drawing. You can play for fun if you wish, and Phasers will be back with a new game tomorrow.

Phasers Inspired by Star Trek #Giveaway #Grogz

Welcome to Phasers!

The Rules

I, the game master, will offer up a word associated with a popular science fiction show, such as phaser. The first commenter would then give a word he or she associates with phaser, such as stun. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with stun, such as shock. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with shock, such as electric. And so one...

All commenters will get put into today's drawing. An extra entry for first and last comment. No comments will be counted after 8:00 p.m. eastern time US each day.

Today's Prizes

$25 Amazon Giftcard donated by Kimberly Afe
your choice of an ebook by M. Pax
an ebook copy of either Taking Time or Passing Time by Ellie Garratt 

Today's Game

Star Trek serves as the inspiration today. The game word is:

Warp

Enter to Win the Ultimate Grand Prizes!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The book bundle includes ebooks from authors: Catherine Stine, M. Gerrick, Cherie Reich, Graeme Ing, Christine Rains, Laura Eno, Ellie Garratt, M. Pax, Angela Brown, Gwen Gardner, Nicki Elson, Melanie Schulz, Julie Flanders, Sandra Ulbrich Almazan

Today's Phasers is now closed.

Any game play after closing will not be put in the drawing. You can play for fun if you wish, and Phasers will be back with a new game tomorrow.

Let the Games Begin! 2013 Realms Faire Begins 11/11 #giveaway #grogz

The Realms Faire begins Monday 11/11. Books, ebooks, jewelry, cds, giftcards, and a Kindle. Enter to win by playing games. Yes, games. Have fun and win!

Joust

Dragon Hunt

Soak-a-Bloke/Drench-a-Wench

Collective Performance

Dueling Bards

Castle Jumble

Stockade Brigade

Phasers

  

Thank You!

Thanks to these authors for their generous participation and support! Sincere gratitude for making the Realms Faire a reality:

• Kimberly Afe
• Sandra Ulbrich Almazan
• Jeffrey Beesler

• Angela Brown

• J.L. Cambell

• Katie Carroll
• Al Diaz

• Nicki Elson

• Laura Eno

• River Fairchild

• Julie Flanders

• Gwen Gardner

• Ellie Garratt

• Sheena-Kay Graham

1. David Powers King

• Patricia Lynne

• K. E. Nowinsky

• M. Pax

• Christine Rains

• Melanie Schulz

• Catherine Stine

• Stephen Tremp

• Mary Waibel

• Cas Webb

• EJ Wesley

• Shah Wharton

• L. Diane Wolfe

 

Welcome to the bookstore of 2015...

Let me give you a tour.

As we enter, notice how every wall is floor-to-ceiling glass, and how high the ceilings are. Don't you think the skylights and daylight lamps give the whole store a bright and airy appearance? Everything looks clean and fresh, and I think Apple inspired the design.

Forgive that jingling of alerts on my smart devices. As soon as the store detects one it downloads a series of information. Let me show you what that consists of, but since you aren't carrying one, help yourself to a loaner ereader from this receptacle. You are welcome to use it anywhere in the store at no cost. Just return it for recharging when you leave. See, now your device is jingling, so let's look at those alerts.

The store uses wifi, LTE, NFC or bluetooth, depending upon how you choose to configure your smart devices. Take a look at my ereader. The store has filled my home screen with a series of notifications. Here's the calendar showing today's events as well as those in the next couple of weeks. Oh, look: That book club and author signing look good but we have half an hour until they start.  After the calendar, we have store specials ordered by the categories and genres I like. Then we see a listing of newly available or upcoming books by my favorite authors. Sweet... there's a new novel by Misha Gericke due in 3 days. There, one click and I have it pre-ordered. At the end, we can scroll through this long list of recommendations. Oh, Book 25 of Backworlds by M. Pax came out yesterday and I hadn't realized.

Follow me. See how most of the store consists of clustered armchairs and couches? It's a perfect place to hang out. Let's sit a moment. Take a look at your ereader. We are now on the usual store screen. Looks a lot like Amazon doesn't it? You can search, browse, read, buy, review, anything you would normally do at home. One sec while I order the new Christine Rains paranormal collection. OK, now I want to show you that enticing coffee mug icon at bottom left.

The drinks page: From here we can order specialty coffees, soft drinks, alcohol, anything you like. I like red wine when I'm reading. OK, I ordered us some drinks and a waitress will bring them by in a few moments. Its identified our seats automatically and billed my card. Actually, it's smarter than that. I usually set it up to order my favorite drink the moment I walk in the store and the waitress can use GPS to locate me.

See those hi-res 4K monitors hanging around the store? I love to watch them. That one's running the bestseller lists by genre and that one's showing the hot buys today. Looks like Catherine Stine's new YA fantasy is selling like hotcakes. There's an interview with Cherie Reich on the one above your head, oh and look, there's that really neat trailer for River Fairchild's new fantasy. Awesome. There's a monitor in the arm of your chair if you want to pop it out and tune in to any of the content on the overhead monitors. Or you can bring it up on your smart device of course. Hang on a sec while I tag River's book trailer to read later. Ah, and Bonnie Louwerens book trailer too. On your own device you have access to some other channels. A fun one is to see what your friends are reading. What a surprise, Angela Brown is re-reading the entire Indigo series by Gwen Gardner.

Let's wander over to the bookshelves. Don't worry, the waitress will find us. Yes, there are real books in here. Most stores limit the shelf space to new release hardcovers, current NYT bestsellers and staff picks. Admit it, you can't stop buying physical books can you?

Don't like their selection? No problem, follow me to the back of the store. See these ten machines each the size of a dishwasher? Print-on-demand. You can print anything you like, ebook or not, and it charges your card directly. No shipping of course. Since Julie Flanders is doing a book signing in just 15 minutes now, let me print her latest book. OK, looks like it is number 4 in the print queue. I've got time enough to show you one other thing, come on. Oh, don't worry; the POD machine will notify me when it's done printing.

Many of these seating areas over here are set aside for book discussions. Book clubs can reserve them, no charge, or you can just sit down and start an impromptu discussion about any book or author. Enter the details on the iPad there and the store will advertise it. Just see who joins in. Tons of fun, and I've met a lot of friends that way. Remember the calendar when we walked in? The book club it mentioned is over there. These folks are busy discussing Ellie Garratt's fantastic new sci-fi series. I wish we had time to join in, but see this icon on our ereaders? It's the contact information for this book club, so I'll just ping them and maybe we can sit in on their next discussion.

Talking of pings, looks like my Julie Flanders book is ready on POD machine 7. Yes, here it is, still warm. Isn't that cover magnificent? According to the schedule, Julie is in auditorium three upstairs, starting in 5 minutes. Let's get up there, hear her reading and get this book signed.

I see you grinning. I knew you'd love this bookstore.

by Graeme Ing

(Image is a building in Shenzhen, China, courtesy of RandomWire.com)

Phasers and Dragon Hunts. Oh my! Delve into Fantasy. 2013 Realms Faire #grogz

Always wanted to live somewhere else? In a different world? A different time? The 2013 Realms Faire offers you that opportunity.

It began with a joust last November, which is where a lot of the Renaissance theme comes from, but it's about all realms, not just the Middle Ages.

Phasers will offer a chance to travel the galaxy with a more science fiction themed game and will take place right here in this space.

How will it work? The game master will offer up a word associated with a popular science fiction show, such as phaser. The first commenter would then give a word he or she associates with phaser, such as stun. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with stun, such as shock. The next commenter would then give a word he or she associates with shock, such as electric. And so one...

All commenters will get put into that day's drawing for whatever prize is up for grabs. There'll be ebooks and giftcards. Each commenter can enter up to 5x a day.

Maybe you're a bit more adventurous, though. River Fairchild will be leading us on a dragon hunt. Ooo! I think we're going to need a bigger net and something more than lemonade for the heat. Are you ready?